Benjamin 7 years old

Our little buddy is growing up. A competitive goof-ball. Mr giggling distracto. He's sensitive and rough-and-tumble. But mostly a jokester with a kind heart. He loves doing anything with Dad. He likes baseball and soccer, loves flag football. He likes math, making people laugh, and being active. I hate disciplining him because I love his spirit. I wish he could be spirited all the time. I hate making him put his spark away, but climbing the walls is unfortunately not always appropriate. I hope he keeps his contagious positive energy and tender heart forever. Happy birthday buddy, you have my heart (and your sister's too).

All he wants to do for his birthday is to go on an overnight backpacking trip with Dad and his buddy Lucas. They are going this weekend, pictures to follow.

Konocadia

Keri and Jason's new house in Suncadia was amazing! New, modern, and cool. Can't wait to go back.

Kids riding the shuttle

Bunk room

Being dorks after too much wine

Shuttle bus to the winery

Watching the Coug game at the winery

This is how we passed out Saturday night

Biking to the park

 The thousand step challenge, we did it twice

 Skipping rocks

 

What a freaking awesome weekend with the cousins! Biking, hiking, stair stepping, golf, hot tubbing, football, wine, champagne, jello shots, an epic dance party. We truly have the best people in our tribe. Grateful beyond, my heart is full.

Cate's first day of preschool

Freedom! For me that is. After what feels like a lifetime of having a baby, changing diapers, dragging kids to run errands, and feeding little ones all day long I get a whole 2.5 hours of peace and quiet. Not to mention this one is fully potty trained so no more diapers, ever. Yaaaasssss, winning!

She was so excited for school. Happy all morning and super happy at drop off, bye Mom.

So grown up

 

Only problem is she wants to go to school everyday not just two days a week, so we may be upping her days soon. 

Spokane county fair

 Ben and Lucas did the mutton and bustin at the fair where you see how long you can stay on a sheep as it runs. Ben only stayed on for a few seconds. This was Lucas's second time competing and he won, he stayed on for more than 8 seconds. The sheep are so cute.

Lucas (in the middle) getting his medal. 

 Good try buddy!

Our favorite animal at the fair were the long horns. They are so cool. 

It's been a long time since I was at a fair at night, the kids had a blast and we went on a few rides. 

Back to school 4th and 1st grade

They were excited for school, up early and ready to go. Ben was happy that he had two friends in his class from last year. I am happy that the house is clean and quiet, and there is no one fighting.

First Cougar football game of the year!

Best time of the year, football season.

Butch came and sat with us

Lake Roosevelt Adventure

The sun was out, the water was warm, and the kids loved the houseboat. It was the best summer vacay. It really was an adventure, that was relaxing, fun, and beautiful. We got to boat and swim all day long. 

Ben kneeboarding

Abi kneeboarding

Papa Dean on one ski

Brad on one ski

Paddle boarding

Cate loving the sand

Fishing

Dancing on the roof

We named this beach Luna beach, it was our favorite.

Couching with papa

I learned how to surf, almost

More kneeboarding, Ben wanted to go all day long.

Abi learned how to wakeboard!

Sunset couch ride

Last day

Our awesome boat

We had the best time, can not wait to do it again.